Aore Island Resort

Aore Island is beautiful. The snorkelling is great. It is also very peaceful. However, our experience seems to be a little different to that of other reviews that we read before booking in to Aore Island Resort, but, having spoken to other guests during our stay, we soon realised that we are not the only ones to feel the way we do about our trip. Honestly, the staff at Aore Island Resort are unfriendly and some may say rude and unhelpful. The family that own the resort barely seem to speak to guests, they certainly didn't say even two word to us on our stay, which was strange. The food is average-the choice changes slightly each day, but it is much the same each day and night. They had the same squid or scallop options for starters each night we stayed and whilst they advertise lobster on their socials, we did not see a hint of a lobster anywhere....we spoke to a few people commenting the same thing as us during their stay, with one couple stating they would be asking about this on their return home. Unfortunately, we visited Turtle Bay resort on our way back from a day trip to Champagne beach and immediately regretted our stay at aore island resort as the staff at Turtle Bay resort were excellent and so, so friendly, they had an extensive menu at the restaurant and their stand up paddle boards and bikes were so well maintained-that was place was honestly on another level in comparison. At Aore island resort, everything seems so run down and in need of maintenance. The paddle boards are a mess and so badly damaged and the bikes lacked any brakes at all, which felt and is so, so dangerous. It is hard to know what they invest their money back in to as it does not seem like the resort is well maintained at all. Also, I get what they are saying about not having internet in the rooms, but in this day and age, it was just annoying and a hindrance to keeping up with working commitments, only being able to access internet in common areas. It was really clear that the owners lack hospitality experience or even people skills at all. We would not return.

Aore Island Resort delivered an unforgettable Christmas. The festive dinner feast was abundant and delicious, showcasing local flavors with kumula chips, garlic prawns, ham, and pavlova. Authentic island decorations, including a coconut Christmas tree, added charm. Dining with turquoise ocean views made every meal special. My overwater room was private, clean, and equipped with reef shoes and snorkel gear, saving packing space. Same‑day laundry service proved essential in humid summer, so quick‑dry clothing is recommended. The blend of tropical beauty, thoughtful touches, and efficient service made this stay exceptional and one we would happily repeat.

Booked direct with resort only one month before, professional and efficient friendly attention from first contact Lisa and Brad are exceptional at their roles! Friendly arrival proceedings down to the sweetest most beautifully decorated fresh coconut we have ever received in the Pacific Totally authentic rooms and surroundings and the peace and privacy our whole stay 7 nights was perfect for us Excellent food every day the poulet (snapper) was exceptional and chefs were very inventive with variations presentation of meals memorably beautiful every meal All staff were friendly however not intrusive at anytime, basically after travel to a variety of Pacific islands over the past 30 years we rate Aore way at the top of our list Snorkeling easy straight off the beach crystal clear watér huge variety of fish hard and soft corals with equipment complimentary for your whole stay ☑️ Aore is so genuine simple and spectacular with beautiful bird sounds and lapping water what more can we say very close to our perfect holiday Thank you Tumas to Brad Lisa and all the beautiful staff very sad to leave will aim to return as soon as possible Kind regards Chris and Janet

Very real resort - peaceful and well loved and cared for and run by Brad Lisa and family as well as all the beautiful staff thank you tumas the snorkeling and kayaking very easy-close too didn't even need to use fins and saw a huge variety of tropical fish soft and hard corals Food and service of an excellent standard and ever changing grounds lush tropical and beautifully maintained If you are looking for total chill out time definitely ticks that box ☑️ The only negative was the day we had to leave this special island paradise Santo is a definite step back to real island life which has been lost to westernisation in many other Pacific destinations Hopefully we can return again asap!! Kind regards Chris and Jan

Excellent location, I swam every day 5 m from my cabin. The cabin is beautifully decorated with good taste, just the essentials and made with wonderful natural local materials. The bed was so comfortable! The food is really good, tasty and light and the people very friendly and ready to assist at any given moment. The owner helped us out himself when our flight was moved earlier and we had to leave really early in the morning while no transfers were available. Thank you for making our stay so enjoyable!

Absolutely beautiful resort the bungalow right infront of the water was amazing. The food is so delicious and the staff were the best, such amazing service. We loved our stay with so many great activities to do and so easy to get too from the island Highly recommend.